Lumia Black

On Windows Phone, the updates are divided up into two types: firmware and OS. Microsoft handles the OS updates, like Update 3, while OEMs use firmware to manipulate custom settings to work with their hardware.

Lumia Black is a forthcoming firmware update from Nokia for all Lumia devices. It was previously known as 'Bittersweet shimmer' during its development.

Lumia Black is set for release in late 2013 and early 2014 and it will premier on the Lumia 1520. While an official changelog is not known, there are numerous features that have been confirmed, including:

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It was two days ago that we finally saw a sign that the Lumia Black firmware update would be out soon for T-Mobile’s Lumia 521. On Nokia’s support website the status of the update went from ‘waiting for approval’ to ‘coming soon’. It still listed as coming soon on Nokia’s support page, but we’re getting a number of tips that Lumia Black has begun its over-the-air rollout for the Lumia 521.

In January Nokia stated that the Lumia Black firmware update would be available to all in the coming weeks after its initial rollout. That didn’t exactly happen, as we’re still seeing certain regions and handsets lighting up with Lumia Black. For example, just yesterday the Lumia 620 in India received the firmware update. One little handset here in the United States still doesn’t have it. That’d be the Lumia 521, a variant of the Lumia 520 exclusive to T-Mobile. We haven’t heard much about the status of the update, but we do know it’s now listed as ‘coming soon’ on Nokia’s website.

Head to India and you’ll see that the Nokia Lumia 520, Lumia 720 and Lumia 620 are the most popular Windows Phone handsets. You’ll also find that the Lumia Black firmware update is already out for the Lumia 520 and Lumia 720, but not the Lumia 620. However, that changes today. Reports are coming in that the update is available.

The Nokia Lumia 620 is finally receiving the Lumia Black firmware update. The release has been rolling out to Windows Phones in supported regions for almost two months now, but Lumia 620 owners have had to wait in line. Thankfully, the wait is now over in certain markets, enabling consumers to enjoy features included in the update.

Nokia’s Lumia Black firmware update has slowly been rolling out to handsets and carriers for over a month now. The Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 1020 on AT&T picked it up, the Lumia 928 on Verizon picked it up, but T-Mobile’s flagship handset has been waiting and waiting. Today’s the day, Lumia Black is now available for the Lumia 925 on T-Mobile.

Still waiting for the Lumia Black firmware update for your Nokia Lumia 925 on T-Mobile? You’re not alone. I’ve recently switched back to the Lumia 925 as my daily and only bust out the Lumia 1020 for when I know I’ll be taking a ton of pictures. The Lumia 925 isn’t just one of the most elegant Windows Phone devices, it’s one of the most elegant smartphones period. Thankfully you and I won’t have to wait too much longer for the Lumia Black update. It should be out pretty soon.

It’s finally here for our friends on Verizon. After a false start two weeks ago, the Lumia Black firmware update is now available for Verizon’s Nokia Lumia 928. Reports are pouring in that the update recently became available during the past few hours. Let’s update!